Zach Rush Senior Recital

by Sue Roush

Whether you remember his days in Dukes and Duchesses or as Joseph in the Yorkshire Playhouse production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, one of York’s most recognizable citizens performed his senior recital Tuesday night. Zachary Rush has lived in York for most of his life. We have watched him grow up and perform every step of the way. A 2004 York High School graduate, Rush is very comfortable on stage.

On Tuesday, November 10th at 7:00 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church of York, Rush gave his final recital to a crowd of almost 200 people. He sang from a variety of musical genres including songs in French, Italian, German, English and even songs from Broadway.

“My favorite,” Rush states, “is called ‘Sunday’ from the musical Tick, Tick, Boom, about a day in the life of someone working during Sunday brunch.” Rush continues, “As inspiration, I used my time working at Starbucks.” Rush has been a barista at Starbucks since the York location opened in January 2006.

Rush has loved music since the third grade, “My interest in music started with Toni Hess who wouldn’t let me sing off key just to try and sound cool.” He continues, “She was the first one to notice I had talent.” Since then many others have noticed his talent.

While at York High School, Rush participated in Choir, Dukes and Duchesses, and was a three time Nebraska All-State participant. While at York College he has participated in Concert Choir, Celebration Singers, and was a Songfest Host two times. For the Yorkshire Playhouse he landed the part of “Doody” in Grease and “Joseph” in which he received a Yorkie award for best actor. He also placed 2nd in state in the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in 2007, and in 2006 he won the National Anthem Project competition for the state of Colorado.

Rush plans to graduate in May with degrees in Vocal Music Performance and Vocal Music Education. Rush interjected, “York College more than prepared me to teach and I’m very excited about it.” He credits Dr. Clark Roush, chair of the fine arts and communication department for the opportunities he has been given stating, “Dr. Roush has given me so many performance venues as well as outstanding educational methods I will use throughout my career.” He also credits Dr. Adrienne Dickson, his vocal instructor saying, “She always pushes me to be better and never settle.”

Rush credits the community of York and his supportive family for helping him mature as a performer saying, “Growing up in York has been great! It has been good to have small town support, and I enjoy having friends in the audience when I perform – I feed off of it. York is a community of talented people, and I can’t stress enough the importance of the fine arts. I also have a very loving and supporting family.”

Rush is the son of Mike and Janet Rush, and he has two brothers, Caleb – also a senior at York College, and Andrew, a senior at York High School.